One name missing from the squad that Canadian fans were hoping for is Svein Tuft. However, Tuft has had to contend with the fallout from his early season crash at the Amgen Tour of California, including a more serious than anticipated concussion (see our interview with Svein: May 11/09 21:14 pm - Svein Tuft Interview). Instead, Tuft will defend his national time trial title this coming weekend in St-Georges.

“We are bringing a diverse and versatile squad to the 2009 Tour de France,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports, LLC and Director Sportif, Team Garmin-Slipstream. “We had an incredible first Tour as a team last year and this year we hope for GC contention, possible stage wins and even the yellow jersey at some point.”

The squad features four Americans, including Christian Vande Velde who was fourth in last year’s Tour and is returning from a crash in May that left him with five broken vertebrae and other fractures. Also on the list are current Irish national champion Dan Martin, Ryder Hesjedal of Canada, Julian Dean of New Zealand, and the UK’s David Millar and Bradley Wiggins. Dutchman Martijn Maaskant is the first reserve.

"As the title sponsor, we couldn't be more excited about the roster of champions that we're sending to the Tour to represent Garmin," said Jon Cassat, Garmin's vice president of communications. "With our Edge 705 on their handlebars guiding their way, we all look forward to cheering Garmin-Slipstream as they push the pace of the peloton."